supercomputer

The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are expensive and are reserved for specialized applications that require an immense amount of mathematical calculations, such as weather forecasting, animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.

The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all of its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.